My CRM Story

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My CRM Story

by Adam
(Texas)

I was really having trouble deciding on a CRM solution. I am running a one person consulting practice out of my home. I use Outlook as my e-mail client and I will be using QuickBooks for my accounting software.

I really like some of the new technologies that currently exist such as - sales process automation, trickle marketing campaigns and e-mail intelligence for opened/read marketing e-mails, ect.

Well... I am sorry (embarrassed) to say. I went through a few CRM's. I ended up spending way too much money trying to get it "right." In a nutshell...

Stated with...
MS Business Contact Manager
Reason - free
Opinion - too clumsy. No clean integration with QuickBooks.
Result - dumped it

Next...
TeamScope
Reason - tight integration with Outlook
Opinion - good product, UI is outdated, support is terrible and expensive,
does not play nice with other Outlook plug-ins.
Result - dumped it

Next...
Maximizer
Reason - integration with Outlook & QuickBooks, decent UI, a real database
backend
Opinion - good product, steep learning curve, weak Outlook integration,
support is great
Result - took too long to ramp-up... Dumped it

Next...
Prophet CRM
Reason - tight integration with Outlook
Opinion - good product, UI is clean, support is good, plays nice with other
Outlook plug-ins, I wish it had a more robust functionality.
Result - I KEPT THIS ONE. ;-) It does not have everything I would like.
But, it works well with Outlook and keeps to the KISS principle.

This is probably more than you wanted to hear... But, you asked. ;-)

Thanks,
Adam

Comments for
My CRM Story

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Dec 03, 2009

re Wise CRM Advice
by: Anonymous

Hi Piaras,

Good to have you back again!

Sensible, concise advice you have for Adam. Yes, defining the processes plays a major part in the success or not of your CRM. It might help expose it, but a CRM is certainly not going to be a remedy for poor processes.

You have had an interesting journey too, by all accounts. Never mind double-dipping, like Adam you have been multi-dipping?! Would love to hear more about it sometime.

Best,
Perry

Dec 03, 2009

1 out of 3 Pillars of CRM Success
by: Piaras

Adam,

Interesting CRM journey and I sympathize with your search for the right CRM tool.

May I suggest you look at the 3 sides of CRM as a whole: Technology (tools), People and Process.

Given it's just you for now we can ignore the People. Have a look at how you approach CRM with your clients and what you are trying to achieve.

Do you have a consistent way of doing your routine tasks e.g. taking/making a call, meetings, invoicing, etc. You can expect the technology to reduce the time and effort but it will always need the "how" defined and repeatable.

Good luck with you next CRM tool!